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Zul is back!

Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2018 12:34 pm
by KOPOJIbPAKOB
Inglorious Return

Zul: I was absent for just couple of minutes, and you're already flirting with some elven girl, aren't you?
Cyrah: Hm?
Zul: Well, guess a little bit longer...
An evening full of awkward pauses, not the way Zul was going to return, but she did anyway, didn't she? Later on, she revealed the purpose of her absence to Cyrah, and it seems she'll be having an uneasy choice.
Zul: And... And this could possibly mean that I can return to the life I deserve, Cyrah!
Cyrah: I see.
Zul: I mean, I could become a noble, not Zul the beggar everyone knows, but Zulandi Ukwanda, the name I deserve to bear! But, uh... Wh-what about you then...?
Cyrah: I have never been a fan of titles and politics. I used to live wth sun elves.
Zul: You... you don't get it, Cyrah. I'll have to leave you.
She was staring into Cyrah's eyes as the tears were running down her cheeks.
Cyrah: Then what do you say?
Zul: I don't know... Wh-what are we, Cyrah? Why do I care so much?
Cyrah: You kept asking if I would replace my heart. It looks like I replaced yours with one for me.
Zul: C-cyrah...

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Re: Zul is back!

Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2018 12:56 pm
by KOPOJIbPAKOB
Fun at Soubar

Soubar was crowded as never-ever before tonight! Pirates, Wizards, Ebon Blades, Radiant Heart knights (especially Radiant Heart knights) — everyone stood in line to have their precious chance to chat with a drow mistress... No, they were not trying to learn her motives nor tell her stay away from the good people — they were sincerely having fun together, and their happy laughter made this grim hobo-town looking like Farmlands campfire at its finest.

Hmph! Zul was but a shadow this day, listening to that tittering, double-faced bunch. The root of her anger is at the very surface — she would've been lynched already for doing the same, that's how the Coastal commons work, survival of the popular. Enjoy your fame Aunrae.


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Re: Zul is back!

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2018 3:55 am
by KOPOJIbPAKOB
He Is Gone

This whole day was a one huge mess. Elias is missing, and Zul was selflessly helping Flora to find her fiance. Zul was always making fun of that naive dolt, she is still convinced their marriage is a mistake, but yet she was determined to save the poor boy! The clues were scarce, but they revealed several interesting details, including Elias's necromantic studies. Who could imagine? Zul's genius strategical mastermind was doing its best to locate Elias, she was finding more and more clues, but ironically, the biggest obstacle on her way was Flora herself. She acted like a complete moron, she was in panic and had no idea what to do, yet she denied all the good ideas that were offered! After several hours of mindless searches, Zul was about to lose the remains of her patience.
Zul: Any clues you see? Perhaps your blood on the walls?
Flora: STOP! The one I love is hurt, maybe worse...
Zul: I'll drain all the lifeforce out of you as a payement for that nonsense.
Flora: You're criticizing everything I do without offering a solution.
Zul: That's... th-that's not my fault you don't know your lover at all! I know you're worried, but your methods don't help!
Flora: So you insult me and him?
Zul: I'm trying to help, but yes, you're two idiots!

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They parted their ways. Zul hasn't seen Flora since then, but it seems that Elias is truly gone. No gratitude she recieved for her efforts, only glance of despice to her back before she left, it was so much like most of the times she was trying to do something selfless. Finishing yet another glass of wine, she tiredly slammed her open palms with her exhausted face while Cyrah stared at her, calm and cynical as usual.
Cyrah: Leave her to her loss. It's her fault, after all.
Zul: I'll do just that...
Cyrah: Here is some advice. You'll have much less fun trying to be the hero. You'll have endless fun simply enjoying their misfortune and helping only when it's worthwhile to you.
Zul: The more I try to help, the worse it turns out.
Cyrah: Then let them suffer. Have fun with it.
Zul: Guess you're right... F*ck them all...

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Re: Zul is back!

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2018 6:13 pm
by KOPOJIbPAKOB
Zul the Radiant

Zul: And when the crusade was doomed and there was no hope to succeed, a hero has arrived, a maiden in shining armor with a holy blade made of pure celestial light, a solar-infused paladin called Zul the Radiant! Spreading her shining wings, she led her righteous warriors to the sacred victory, leaving the trail of snow-white feathers on her glorious path to the higher purpose! Her eyes are twin burning embers, striking the unfaithful with dark lightnings fueled with divine wrath! ...Have you written all I told you, gnome?
Gnome Chronicler: Every word...
And so the pious crusade has begun! Following a warrior in aurilite cloak, Zul, Moe and their brave gnome chronicler were fearlessly fighting their way through the hordes of fire giants to slay their final foe — a sinister demonic colossus called Balor! The battle of legends has begun, the wrath of righteous warriors was capable of shaking the mountains!
Zul: F-fall, fiend, we are afraid of your dirty tricks not!
The Aurilite: Mark this day, team, and never forget!
Gnome Chronicler: And it fell after an epic bout! Blood and lame and ichor spread across the battlefield and the cries of victory were barely audible above the death wail of the evil BALOR!
The Aurilite: ...You can leave out the part where I fell in battle. That's not important!
Zul: All hail the heroes, all hail the brave! The skies triumph this glorious day!
The heroes have prevailed, this was truly a battle of legends, this deed shall be sang in epic ballads for centuries from this day on! (Well, maybe not, considering they lost their chronicler somewhere in the fiery mountains, but still!)

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Re: Zul is back!

Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2018 9:35 pm
by KOPOJIbPAKOB
What is Love?

Zul: Brace yourselves, heroes! The glorious battle is ahead! The enemies are ruthless, but we shall prevail, for our cause is righteous and our burning hearts beat loud as never before! We shall fight as one, fight for the good, fight for our future, fight for Baldur's Gate!
Wren: Please stop reading whatever tripe it is you get that stuff from, Zul.
A huge army of heroes was facing even bigger horde of demons and undead swarming the burning refugee camp. The odds were certainly against the warriors of good, but the good always prevails! The battle has begun, a truly feroicious clash for the future of humanity (for the bunch of beggars). Many were wounded this night, but the heroes prevailed, and after slaying the demonic colossus, they returned to the farmlands surrounded by a halo of glory. Zul (of course) has played a crucial role in this success!

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Later on, she and Cyrah were enjoying their deserved rest at Friendly Arm, but, for some reason, the atmosphere still had some bitterness in the air.
Cyrah: You truelly believe I am never happy?
Zul: Merely satisfied with this and that. Happy? Unlikely.
Cyrah: I see.
Zul: Do you feel happy now, zombie?
Cyrah: I suppose not.
Zul: You still love that dead woman, right?
It was clear in advance that the conversation has taken a dangerous turn that promises nothing pleasant in the following hour or two, and so it turned out. They talked much about what do they mean for eachother, and it has only become more confusing than it was, especially the meaning of love. Yet, at last it ended with relief after Zul spoke out. Sobbing over Cyrah's shoulder, she pronounced:
Zul: I'm such a fool, Cyrah...
Cyrah: That is not news to anyone.
Zul: B-but... but I'm your favorite fool, r-right?
Cyrah: Not my favorite. You are the only fool I enjoy at all.
Zul: Cyrah...
Cyrah: As awkward as it may be to admit it, if I were able, I would certainly love you, as a regular person could.
Zul: I... I'm afraid of it. Af-afraid to be loved... M-maybe even more afraid to share this feeling. It scares me. But, uh... You're nice...
She kissed his cheek with her dry trembling lips. The day was over, and the only concern remaning in her tired mind was patching the fresh scorches on her combat suit to get it prepared for the new dawn.

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Re: Zul is back!

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2019 5:47 pm
by KOPOJIbPAKOB
A Hero?

Being tired of the hostile Coast, Zul has escaped, again. She lived her (almostly) happy life alone, but, oh well, old memories call back, that's what they do. First few days weren't any special, it's all the same verbaljobbing by the campfire with fake smiles, but then the fun has begun!

Zul was just strutting by not far from Teris' secret grove, and what did she see?! Two girls, a hin and a genasi, were fighting! Genasi was chasing the hin with knives, and so she got smacked down by Zul who has heroically hopped on the scene and saved the day! Well, that's what she thought...

Teris: Thank you!!! They're evil and crazy! I don't know what to do!!!
Zul: TERIS?! How... how could you?! Why are you making these poor girls fight for you, you old pervert?!
Teris: They did it themselves! I don't now why! They won't stop tormenting me!!
As it turned out later, Zul knocked down the wrong troublemaker! The hin kept taunting the unconcious genasi, trying to kick her and even shoot from her crossbow! Yes, she indeed had a damnable crossbow!
Zul: HIN!!!
The Hin: She stabbed me!
Zul: One more move and I double swear, this very boot will be so deep inside of your tiny arse that no archeologist will manage to get it out ever!!!
The Hin: You're mean and ugly!
Zul: What?! I... I just saved you! ...Bah, whatever, my typical day on the coast...
The hin didn't leave and kept trying to murder unconcious genasi! And so at some point Zul lost her patience and chased the hin down, she unintentionally used her deadly technique, completely immobilizing the hin. Aaaand, oh well, she died from suffocation...
Zul: Well... I... I f*cked this all up again, right?
Teris: No! You were a hero!
Zul: R-really...?
Teris: Yes! You saved me!
Zul: I, uh...
Teris: The short one wanted to steal my pants!
Zul: ...
Genasi got up later and wasn't even angry at Zul! She was pretty much like her, it brought back warm memories of the day Zul met Teris the first time! Well, he called her a hero, and, well, Zul didn't know what to say... Perhaps this place deserves a second chance?

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Later that day, Zul met a bunch of lunatics in the park North of Baldur's Gate, they were claiming they're having a "private meeting" (in a park) and were very angry and mean, they were about to attack Zul for revealing their secret meeting place! (in a park, yes) Not that these weirdos even deserve to be mentioned. Zul of course has invited everyone to come take a look, but one of the crowd told he needs to talk to her one on one! Oh well, theeere we go, another portion of schooling, bring it on already!

To her surprise, though, he had a different topic to discuss. He was investigating death of Elias, and so it turned out Zul was the only one who knew what actually happened. They quietly gathered at Swordarm Inn, at the very room many Baldur's Gate residents use for consorting with drow, be it trading, plotting or cuddling in bed. Before getting to the story itself, Zul asked him to buy her a drink, and that stubborn fool kept arguing over that for ages!

Zul: Hey! Are you interested in the true story of Eias or not?!
Emrys: Aye. But that was nae part of any deal.
Zul: I can... I can just walk away, and except me, there is NOONE who knows this story!
Emrys: My, you're certainly all flustered 'bout somethin' so trivial. Tell you what. You come down with me, an' i'll buy it for you.
Zul: Pff, you're such an arse...
Emrys: I'll nae argue that.
Being fueled with Fighting Cock Wine and Firebelly Whiskey, Zul told him everything, from the day Elias and Flora met for the first time to the moment she found his ashes in Baldur's Gate sewers. It of course brought back bad memories, how Zul nearly died fighting for Flora against Morgan and her pet drow assasins only because that coward was crying in the corner unable to move! The man knew there was something else behind that story, and, well, Zul told him the real truth, she revealed him who Elias was, something only she and Flora were aware of. He promised to keep this in secret, but that was the moment Zul heard noise behind the door! Unsheathing her rapier, she ran out of the room, but it was too late!
Zul: What is your name?! Quickly!
Emrys: Mine? Emrys.
Zul: Sh*t, Emrys, we got eavesdropped!
And that was truth! Zul managed to spot that bastard before he slipped away. It was that nasty shadowdancer from Crimson Blade house, and she had no idea how much did he overhear! Zul had alarm strings pulled all over the coridor, but she was so carried away with her story (and drunk, too) that she didn't notice them twitch! Blast, blast, blast! They had only to hope this information won't get revealed, but it would be another story!

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Re: Zul is back!

Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2019 9:42 am
by KOPOJIbPAKOB
Well Deserved

Zul was returning to Baldur's Gate from magnificent wedding of Lylan and Niyressa! Damn, that was beautiful, and they both are very smart women! Instead of ruining their lives by getting married to a man, they just married eachother! This is GENIUS! If only Zul would come up with that plan in her youth — maybe she wouldn't have ended up around these parts?

She returned to Baldur's Gate, and as it happens from time to time, Zul has broken into a wrong door (Flaming Fists Quarters...), but it turned out she came just in time! She was already aware that Morgan was AT LAST banished from the lands (Zul still can't believe it has taken so much time for those fools to achieve it), but now things are even better — she got jailed! Zul was about to rejoice, but then Victoria told her that Morgan has turned herself in, and now that's getting suspicious! You don't have to be a genius to understand where it leads, and Zul was demanding a questioning for her to spill lights on more hideous details regarding Morgan and to share the ways to get rid of the murderous hag for good, because, hells, nobody ever else can do it! But nooo, fill the papers, submit them and get out, blasted Fists, no damnable respect!

Zul was enraged, because some scoundrels from the Radiant Heart were given a chance to decide Morgan's fate, while she, the REAL hero of this story, was shooed off like a peasant!


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Zul: Excuuuuse mee!!!
Zul was making her way through the crowd, getting late, but still just in time at Morgan's execution! The bitch was there, shackled and meeting the fate she deserves! The crowd was truly impressive, they were determined to tear the criminal apart, and Zul shared their enthusiasm at first. After all, she has finally achieved exactly what she was trying to for such a long time? Still, she didn't feel herself satisfied at this.

It was her who exposed Celeste Milton as Morgan the necromancer, it was her who started all this and involved Radiant Heart, Northern Watch and hell knows who else, while Fel and Pearl kept doing their best to save that snake! If not for Zul, Morgan would have never been caught. Zul is the real hero of this story, yet she stands here, like just another gawker from the crowd, recieving absolutely no praise for her selfless efforts, for all the times she was fighting Morgan and protecting people from her. Meh, it's Zul's story after all, what did she expect? She was standing near Emrys and watching the show with melancholic expression.

Zul: So that's all over.
Emrys: You fancied her or some such?
Zul: I hate her. But... It all feels so... off?
The moment of truth has come. Morgan dies now.

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Zul: She is ALIVE?!
Incompetent law representatives — never happened, yet there we go again... Zul was trying to prevent it, but nooo, better fill those blasted papers and get out, half-wits from the Radiant Heart know better than you! For those who weren't there — Morgan had it all planned and was reborn miles away through a dark ritual prepared in advance. What a SURPRISE, who could've exepcted such an outcome?! Zul was truly enraged, she yelled at the dolts surrounding her!
Zul: For F*CK's sake, Flaming Fists! NOBODY listens to me, EVER!!! Gods, what kind of nonsense is THAT?! I'm out, hells, I don't believe it...
Soon enough, though, Zul chilled and has taken a look from a different angle! Those idiots have got what they deserved. Zul recieved absolutely no praise nor even respect for her selfless deeds, they didn't listen to her advice, so now the murderer is back on the loose! Morgan shall continue killing and torturing the innocent, but the difference is that this time Zul shall not come to save them. This land doesn't appreciate its heroes, so why bother? If only her heart would say yes as quickly as her mind...

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Later that night, Zul was back on her duty as the squire of King Arunir! She was enjoying the contests at Halls of Inner Light, bathing in the glorious rays of King's glory! She has again felt herself needed, the feeling she used to lack so much. Perhaps her life goes on?

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Re: Zul is back!

Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2019 7:27 pm
by KOPOJIbPAKOB
Aspid Style

Event by event, Zul was dragged into a whirlwind of high society festivals! She managed to become the First Judge of the culinary contest and meet Keldray the barmaid whom she keeps trying to get drunk while's she at work! This night, though, the most meaningful of them was hosted — a combat tournament sponsored by King Arunir, and Zul of course has accompanied him as a squire. Taking the luxury lodge, the King has pronounced his speech, and combatants slowly filled the arena. You're right, folks — squire Zul was one of them, performing on behalf of the King!

Ray the host has announced the rules. Combatants are divided into two teams — Team yellow and Team Zul (Red), they are taking all their equipment off before the combat and putting on the crappiest armor and weapon the organisators could find! No magic, only one shadowblend per round, uph, it's going to be quite interesting! Amora the shady tiefling, half-elven Captain, Audree the fire genasi and, later, Wren herself — these are the proud warriors of Team Zul, so let's get to the fun already!


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Zul: Old people are frail and weak, there's no shame to use it against them!
The first, opening battle was between the Captain and some old scoundrel in fancy clothes! The old bugger turned out to be stronger than Zul expected, but not even close to the glorious half-elf Captain who has dropped the human on his rear by elegant swings of his rapier! The combat was over, Team Zul begins its victorious march!

Zul: Her fists can crush mountains, I swear, she needs no weapon at all! Force her fight with some, I don't know, wooden plank...?
But the hosts didn't listen! Not waiting for Ray to finish accepting bets, this bald dwarven colossess has charged to poor Amora with lightning speed and trampled her into the dust with her iron fists! It could've been the first defeat of Team Zul, but the dwarf was disqualified for false start instead!
The Dwarf: COUNTDOWN FOR BETTING?
Zul: BETTING, NOT BEATING!
Angrily, she stomped off, and Amora brought another point to Zul's team! (technical defeat, but whatever!) There should be Zul's fight following this one, but wait for it, let's keep an intrigue! Meanwhile, let's see how two other fights went!

Zul: You know, I fought Lylan once! I almost defeated her, but then, weeell, my noble heart decided to spare her and so I let her trample me face down the dirt...
Wren against Lylan — this combat will truly be interesting! Rules were in elf's favor this time, but Wren was calm and determined. Just as the combat started, Wren has immediately rushed forth and made an astonishing crippling strike that significantly slowed Lylan down! Losing no time, she added a precise gouging lunge here, she was close to victory already! Alas, Lylan has recovered and disarmed Wren, she was ferociosly fighting and her strikes were clearly more powerful, but Wren's dire assault played its crucial role, and so Lylan fell down to the ground. So far, this was the most tense combat of the night! (sadly, Wren had to leave, and so Zul won't face neither of them...)

Zul: Since noone from the Yellow team won...
Regi: None have won YET! Nya-ha!
A truly bizarre man in a hat has stepped into the arena, the last remaining champion of the team Yellow! Audree was the least experienced combatant tonight, but she fearlessly accepted his challenge. Without causing him much harm, she was soon defeated by Regi's diabolic assault. Well, there goes the first victory of Team yellow! "So Zul has prevailed?" — you may ask, but tss, read further!

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Alright, back to Zul's fight, so she said...:
Zul: ...Coin flip?!
Wren: No no. Go right ahead.
The next battle was between Zul and a scary, overconfident tiefling! He seemed to be very popular, everyone was cheering for him, bah, who cares! Everyone has betted against Zul, they did so blindly — just because it was Zul, they'd have done so even if she was fighting an armless hin beggar! It was right about time to teach those arrogant dolts an economy lesson.

She carefully stepped into arena in a tight, revealing red suit, she was holding nothing but an old junky kitchen knife in her hand. She was fueling her opponent's ego, lowering his vigilance! They've taken away all her equipment, but her most important muscle has already created a plan, a way to defeat that horned archer. Dozens of them.
Some Darius dolt: That freak though, well she can die in a ditch for all I care.
Netanya: SHOW THE WENCH NO MERCY! (yes, the darhling was here too!)
And other kind commentaries... The tiefling started shoting at Zul, she even caught few hits, but then she has sprinted to him and started mercilessly assaulting him with a flurry of ridicolous knife stabs! He could do nothing against it, so he has conceded! Zul has expectedly prevailed, watching the spectators losing their money as she was sipping whiskey with Keldray the barmaid!

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A combat between Regi and the Captain ended rather quickly, the Captain was powerful indeed and left the hatter no chances, Zul knew she'll have to fight him, and she was scared! A duel between her and Amora was upcoming, though.
Zul: Ladies and gentlemen! Everyone who wants to financially support this tournament — bet against me, thank you.
So weeeell, either this crowd consists of pure-hearted generous souls (it clearly doesn't), or these people are indeed learning nothing! Another avalanche of blind bets against Zul has followed and nobody has betted on her, but this was only amusing her at this point! Few confident swipes, and Amora is stretching on the ground unable to move a limb while Zul hasn't recieved a scratch!
Ray: Is she going to be allright?
Zul: She... she must be, I'm not some amateur who can't control people-hurting abilities!
And so the time of final round was coming, tam-tam-tam, Zul was thrilled and nervous! After all, she will have to fight this unrivalled fencer — the Captain!

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Taking her time and trying to calm her nerves, she fueled herself with more heroism potion (whiskey) and changed her weapon. Yet again, everyone made bets against her, but now they had at least something looking like an excuse. She was fighting the Captain, after all.
Zul: I just thought fighting with a kitchen knife is not serious enough for the final round...
The most tense combat has begun! Zul's aspid strike has failed, and she had to fight (relatively) fair! As usual, Zul had significant tactical advantage, superior positioning and ability to flawlessly read opponent's moves, but damn, raw power is raw power, and so the Captain was simply much stronger himself, combining deadly lunges with his inspirational chants! Zul wasn't giving up, though! She lacked speed and strength, but not precision and guile! Captain kept dropping his weapon to the ground, she was exhausting him by unexpected maneurs and unusual parrying. In the end, she made a fatal mistake, catching few painful blows, but somehow she has prevailed, she was victorious! She fell on her knees, heavily breathing and wiping odor from her forehead.

The crowd was agitated, but the reason behind it was not Zul's unexpected victory. In a rush of battle, she hasn't noticed a small mouse breathing out powerful magic. People were confused and were demanding the mouse to take its true shape (sigh...), but Zul already knew what is actually happening.
Ray: The question is.. who is the owner of this mouse?
Zul: She.
Long time no see, Pearl, long time Zul wouldn't mind extending. That arrogant scoundrel just can't calm down, even still, she keeps trying to spit into Zul's plate over and over!
Zul: You're miserable, did I tell you that, dear?
Pearl: Fine, it was me. I was supposed to aid Zul.
She was escorted out of arena right away. Her dirty intents were clear as glass for Zul, but the crowd kept whispering about "cooperative sabotage", so Zul made it as clear as she could:
Zul: I better drink orcish piss than cooperate with that viper.
There was only one compromise remaining at this point — a rematch! Both Zul and the Captain eagerly agreed, and so the actual final round has begun! Zul has attempted to perform aspid strike again, but this time she has succeeded, ending the tournament. A shimmering lunge from the shadows has fully paralyzed the half-elf, he was defeated once more. Zul was victorious, she dedicated this victory to King Arunir, and his grace himself has ascended to the arena to congratulate her!
The Captain: Uff .. what .. happened?
Zul: Aspid style.
Ray: The winner of the duel is Zul!

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She was recovering from her emotional shock, only now realising she has won! She knew that the prize was a knighthood of Borbath, and so yeah-yeah, the tournament might have looked staged for those gawkers up the balcony, but she didn't care! She accepted another glass of whiskey from Kel and spoke:
Zul: I want to thank the public! Thank you for betting against me! This is the kind of charity I support, Ray has sure covered her expenses.
She had no more time to talk, though! The King has approached with a sword in his hand, and so the rite of knighthood initiation has begun, a moment of true glory!
King Arunir: Do you confirm your fealty to the kingdom, and -to me-, and swear to uphold all of the virtuous qualities expected of a grand knight of Borbath, the greatest realm of all?
Zul: I confirm, your grace!
King Arunir: And, swear to the other part... Too?
Zul: Sur- I mean, I swear, your grace!
King Arunir: By the powers bestowed upon me, by divine birthright, and through the Maimed God's lawful grace! I anoint you, Sir Zul, Champion of the Fine Arts Festival. Rise now, Sir Zul.
She slowly stood up, an awkward pause hanged in the air.
Zul: S-sir...?
King Arunir: Yes. Sir.
Zul: ...
Weeeeell, as awkward as it was, in the end they reached a compromise and Zul has become a siress of Borbath, and everyone was happy! Bathing in the rays of her well-deserved glory, noble siress grabbed Keldray the barmaid and together they went celebrating to the Friendly Arm bathes! Audree and Firo, Kel's lover (whoops) joined them too, and that was an amazing conclusion of that resplendent night!

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Re: Zul is back!

Posted: Sat Mar 16, 2019 10:32 am
by KOPOJIbPAKOB
Kip and Cyrah

Image Lylan: Im not afraid of your wrath, Zul. Im worried for your heart.
Image Zul: Oh, really?! Well, you should! I'm ON THE EDGE, Lylan, can you guarantee I won't do anything stupid?! I can't!
This cold interrogation quickly turned into heated squabble. Uncle Moe was dead, murdered, and Zul has found the killer. Lylan confessed she did it, she claimed he was possessed by devils and wanted to sacrifice her, but she is a terrible liar.

Another screech from the coridor. This evening was rich for sneaky buggers shamelessly crawling behind the door. Smashing the door open, Zul faced Firo, Kel's partner, who was caught spying, and her brazen tone only made things worse.

Image Firo: By all means, pretend I'm not here...
Image Zul: How about I pretend I found your broken jaw on the floor?
It was a miracle it didn't end up in violence. Realising how close the danger is, Firo rapidly left, and so did the other gready eavesdroppers. Tired of shouting, Zul dropped her emotionless, cold shield, letting the desperate tears flood her face.
Image Zul: Lylan... Let's... talk some other time? I don't know what to do....
Image Lylan: Try and get some sleep alright? Beauty will shine, I promise. Kip? Staying or going?
Image Zul: Staying.
Image Kip: Uhhhh... UHHH! S-..taaaying!

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Kip. A silly acrobat, a young teenage human girl Zul met by the campfire. Zul gave her a task to find out who murdered Moe, and so she succeeded faster than expected, resulting in the scene described above. It was a very tough situation. Zul gave Kip the money she promised and said, wiping her eyes:
Image Zul: I know I might look like a monster to you, but my friend murdered my best friend... What would you do in my place?!
Image Kip: Hooonnestlyy what you're doing right now.
Zul was completely suppressed, but then she felt warm hands enveloping her waist. Kip embraced her, and Zul hugged back, absorbing the energy this young girl was sharing. Such a simple move, but it was the only thing Zul was in a desperate need of at that grim moment.
Image Kip: Let's go spend this money on some super expensive wine to cheer us up! ...Even thoughh I don't really drink. ...Also maybe to sort of maybe pay for the door.
She didn't have to ask twice! Consuming some alcohol, Kip started boasting around about her escaping abilities and so she asked Zul to tie her up... Indeed, that was awkward in advance and (for mysterious reasons) intriguing for Zul, but it all went well! They talked the whole night, and Zul left the girl in a luxury room with lots of wine bottles!

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They met again few days later when Zul was encountered by a masked figure at Soubar! Well, masked Kip, that is... She was in a mask hiding her face — a mask everyone has seen. She told a story about some jerks accusing her of necromancy after she summoned a harmless shadow called Sparkles, so she fled here, hiding from the world in a voluntary exile!
Image Zul: Why would you call a shadow spirit Sparkles in the first place...?
Image Kip: I mean, it was for ironic purposes and it was kind of silly, and I LOVE.. no, wait, this is off topic!
Image Zul: But the real question is — what the HECK are you doing at damnable Soubar?! Do... do you not know what this place is?!
Image Kip: I-.. I didn't have anywhere else to go...
Umph, those bastards! Kip was truly popular, but Zul didn't despice her for that. Unlike other popular jerks, like Fel, Kip wasn't a hypocrite. She was a naive kind girl behind a mask of a naive kind girl. Getting fed with the unfair situation she witnessed, Zul told Kip to follow her! At Swordarm Inn, few hours later, Zul convinced Kip she did nothing wrong (and it's truth!) and promised to deal with those jerks bullying her!

The women returned to the Farmlands but found no scoundrels (but rather poor aunt Isabella camping at the bench for six days in a row now!). Not bothering to turn it into a hunt, Zul bade Kip farewell and told her she can be found at Twillight Rose would she want to talk! Kip knew it was a brothel so she winced and it was clear she won't come.

Yet she did.


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Image Zul: Tell you what, Kip! It is NOT a brothel unless I see at least one male wh*re! Now let's get in!
Zul greeted the human in an embarassing male leopard coat and showman's hat — a tasteless, yet funny attire she purchased at the Rose. They walked inside, ordering some wine to their beautiful pillow infested lounge! They talked much about different things, about good and evil, about real face of the world and true power of popularity Kip possesses, and during that pleasant evening Zul was spotting more and more appealing features in this young human being. After fueling herself with some more alcohol, she confessed:
Image Zul: You know, Kip, so far you're looking like a non-embarassing version of me!
Image Kip: Wow, really?
Image Zul: Well, don't raise your nose too high, mind you! You still have chances to grow into a spiteful bitch...
Despite not looking much older than the human girl, Zul was already living through her fourth decade. Age-wise, she was like an older sister to Kip. Or like a mother? She was enjoying Kip's company, but couldn't figure the nature of these feelings out! Why does she tickle Kip's ribs, filling the room with their mutual laughter? Why are they falling from the sofa and wrestling on the floor, spilling wine all across the carpet?

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A day later, Zul found herself present at Kip's rehearsal — a day before her spectacle starts! It was something about seasons formally, but what it was in fact is tied up Kip jumping through burning metal rings and escaping the ropes in the air, then juggling with the rings and whirling them around her waist and other parts! Zul was impressed, so were Nathan and even Cyrah! (not talking about other gawkers!)

Oh, Cyrah, right. Zul called him using a sending as Kip needed a bard. (and Cyrah needed a job, like, c'mon, Cyrah...) Zul really liked Cyrah's grim style, and she thought it would be a nice idea if they cooperated! He even created an improvised song during Kip's performance! (something about her burning alive, but whatever...) After the show was over, everyone but Cyrah and Zul went home, and Kip invited them to share a dinner at the White Mask dining hall!


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Not everything went smooth, though. Zul was seeing the things in advance, and Cyrah placing his grumpy butt just across the table against Zul's boss chair was a troublesome sign. Kip was cooking something delicious, while Zul was asking her to get a barmaid suit to serve her whiskey! Yes, this was indeed a newly acquired embarassing obsession in her list of embarassing obsessions (thanks, Kel!), but there were other thoughts in her head. Kip was so young and spent so little time at the Coast, yet she has already joined two famous organisations! The whole theater was empty, and it was hers. She could do anything she desires with this place! In some sense, she achieved much more than Zul at this part of the Coast.

Returning to the first lines of this section, the people gathered began eating. Cyrah approached Kip and dumped his plate's content into Kip's!

Image Zul: Hey! She won't eat this much!
Image Cyrah: Yes she will. Eat it. Eat what you made.
Image Zul: The hells, Cyrah?!
He was trying to make it look like it's because of the terrible food he didn't enjoy, like he was torturing the poor girl for his own entertainment. His usual grim looks and emotionless voice were concealing his feelings perfectly, but Zul was seeing the root of the problem even better.
Image Cyrah: She needs to learn a lesson.
It was predicted, but not prevented. Zul stood up as the situation was getting more and more tense. She placed her hand to Kip's chair, standing between her and Cyrah, protecting the child from Cyrah's wrath. She tried to reason him, tried to to de-escalate, but it was fruitless. She caught elf's hand in the mid-air, preventing him from smashing the plate over Kip's face. The girl was confused and uncomfortable, she was, as silly as it is to admit, a source of this conflict without even realising it.
Image Zul: Cyrah, this is getting silly...
Image Cyrah: Since when are you no fun?
Image Zul: Since the day we met, according to your words. Just... Don't bully Kip, alright?
Image Cyrah: Is she your girlfriend now, Zul?
Yes, he voiced it, the phantom reason he started to act like a dumb human teen — contrary to what made him special. Contrary to what Zul liked about him a long time ago. She said they need to talk, and he agreed. They departed, leaving Kip alone at the theater. Zul will explain, but not today.

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They stopped by Helm and Cloak — the very room where this chapter has begun. It wasn't a long talk, nor was it heated. Cyrah has always claimed himself to be fearless, yet he didn't have courage to speak plainly and get this childish nonsense over with. It's true Zul doesn't have the same scorching fire burning inside of her, the same spark. She made it clear for him the day she moved to his house, he agreed, yet now was the first time she witnessed him acting like a normal person, and that's a negative trait in Zul's vision of the world. Upset and having nothing to add, she stood up and turned to leave.
Image Cyrah: Are you off to pout again?
Image Zul: That's what I do. Pout and whine, then repeat.
Image Cyrah: Not even a farewell kiss. How heartless.
Image Zul: You're too lazy to lift your arse from the sofa. I am too lazy to bend.
She quietly walked away, leaving Cyrah alone in the luxury room. Is she off to drink again? Who knows? She found herself in a complicated situation, but she will deal with it tomorrow or some other day. New dawn — new life. She is suppressed today, but tomorrow she will breath again — she simply knows it!

Re: Zul is back!

Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2019 2:24 pm
by KOPOJIbPAKOB
Smut Fiction

Image Fenix: ... Did you write it?
Image Zul: I did!
Image Fenix: "Watching his strong, appealing arms wrapping around his powerful manly torso..."
That's right, folks! Zul has at last fulfilled her promise given a long time ago at Ulgoth's Beard Inn! She wrote an adventure book! She handed a signed copy to Fenix — that tiefling archer she defeated at the tournament (and then he defeated her back few days later when she was showing off too much, pff...) — but this wasn't the first sample she handed! Half of the Coast was already enjoying Zul's smut fict incredible adventure novel about Pel and Fyrah called "Warm Embraces of Fate", even Great Reader Laitae herself commended the book, and so this encouraged Zul to go further! Grabbing Kip and a huge books-filled backpack she made her way to Candlekeep!

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Everyone was excited to discover the new knowledge Zul brought to the Keep of Candles! The guards were tittering like little girls, reading this incredible writing with a soft blush on their cheeks, and damn it, Zul hasn't been feeling so popular since her second day on the Coast! Aunt Bella herself (also known as Gatewarden Villame) told Zul she will contact Ulraunt himself (whoever it is...) to give her access to the core library!
Image Aunt Bella: Good luck getting into the Library, Zul, though with a self penned text! You have better odds than anyone else I can think of over the passed year.
Image Zul: ...Was that year so bad...?
There was a truly big bunch of Candlekeep big bosses, they were off to meet Blackstaff himself in the mountains (or do some task for him?), so Zul and Kip remained, helping (distracting) aunt Bella at her watch by the gates! There was some enraged elf who claimed a necromancer is hiding in the library, but the women had more important things to do, such as watching the stars and thinking about matters above their narrow understanding! Excited by new ideas in her head, Kip wandered off to the library to find something regarding Caiphon, elder gods and space hamsters...
Image Aunt Bella: ...How does she know about Giant Space Hamsters? That's spooky. She's spooky.
Image Zul: She got lots of secrets! I've spotted it the first time we met. She is... much smarter than she looks. I still wonder what she is in truth...
Image Aunt Bella: I might have a better clue than most.
Zul was intrigued! That little strange teen she felt so attracted to these days — what is she? What is the dark hideous secret covering her hazy past? Aunt Bella, though, gave Zul an interesting clue, her hypothesis regarding Kip's true nature, and in fact that got things making much more sense, but Zul was still uncertain about her next moves.
Image Zul: But... what do I do with that now?
Image Aunt Bella: Heh. Nothing. Just keep an eye out for her and help keep her safe, I suppose?
They couldn't continue their discussion as Kip returned with a pile of books in her hands, so Zul pretended they were discussing male butts! The women were enjoying this evening until Bella's shift was over, and then they departed, meeting the new glorious day!

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Aaaaand so few hours later Zul found herself laughing and rolling on the grass with her jacket open while Kip was trying to snatch some important papers from her hand! Carried away with this childish play, Zul almost swallowed the papers, and then she tried to dry them with her mighty breath — only to get them flying off to Ulgoth's Beard direction! Tired, but victorious, the women returned to Helm and Cloak room with terribly looking paper saliva-soaked ball in their hands! Zul managed to restore the documents, so it was high time to call it a day! Zul still felt uneasy after the revelation she recieved from aunt Bella regarding Kip's past, but she tried to look natural. She joined Kip in her sleep. It wasn't the first night they spent together.

Well then, brrr, melancholy away! If you think the previous day was glorious — then how about this?!
Image Fel: I can't believe you actually decided to write it.
Image Cyrah: It is garbage, if you desire the short version.
These sweet moments worth living for! Zul is bathing in rays of her glory and, perhaps, she has even found a purpose of her life!

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Re: Zul is back!

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2021 6:13 am
by KOPOJIbPAKOB
Socially Acceptable Chaos

Oooooh, dear, these three years ended crazy, as if to compensate for all the sated calmness that filled most of their days! Zul has healed her oldest wounds, she found her peace, dumped the old grudges in the deepest corners of her mind. She was once more welcome at Tashluta, and not on its streets, but in the highest circles! It was a pretty, quiet life. She read a lot, she trained a lot, practicing with the reknowned masters of the fencing art and blade-dance — real refreshing after the whole life of street fights, makeshift tactics and morbidly genius combat plans (that often were backfiring!). She's become more nimble, skilled, deadlier than she has ever been. Yet, there were no troubles to test her mettle against... life was peachy until the last tenday. And here she goes! Swimming on a cargo ship back to the accursed Baldur's Gate, like three years ago. Why there again, after everything she endured? Well, the nostalgy takes its heavy toll...

She has arrived in a quiet midnight hour, meeting no known faces on her way. It felt as if she was here just yesterday, the place didn't seem to change, it all was the same! Spending a night at some inn, she answered the call to adventures!


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She was with many adventurous groups, doing heroic deeds and showing wonders of valors! She started a chimney elf movement and knighted 2 adventuers as honorary chimney elves! That's right, if years ago she was nervous and offended when someone was mistaking her for a drow, tonight she's having her fun with that! After a hard day, the chimney elves, Teufelhunden, Triana and Numarie, a mere human who joined them, were exploring the weird town of Winding Water! Zul's priority was simple - she desperately needed some whiske elixir of youth.

Their searches led them to the local Inn. Teufelhunden was playing with her flint, and, eventually, Zul had enough of her tease!

Zul: Uh... actually... how severe local law enforcement is...? Blowing the place up sounds tempting...
Teufelhunden: Given that the geneal law comes down to "shoot to kill"?
Zul: We can prime a delayed bomb! Teufelhunden is a morbid genius, I bet she knows how to do that!
Under the elixir of youth's magic, the plan deviced itself! Teufelhunden primed the bomb, Zul dropped it, pounced out of the window and met the gnome outside of the town, on the other river side! Zul waited with thrill, but nothing was exploding, nothing was ablaze! And what do you think?! The gnome pranked her! It was a flashbang bomb, not a real one! And... and it was a prank! A PRANK! Zul laughed while air swirled and cracked around her. Laying on grass, she started crying... Her disappointment was immeasurable and her day was ruined!
Teufelhunden: I can still make things go boom, if you insist.
Zul: You don't understand.... You just... don't get it! You'll blow up lizards or... or the ground... but who cares about that! It's... it's a socially acceptable chaos... Meaning it's ORDER!
Teufelhunden: I could blow up you, if you preffer.
Zul: Whatever, do it! I dare you!

They weren't even arguing, the gnome just didn't get it! Eventually, Zul has calmed down. She propped on her hands, gracefully tumbling backwards to land on feet, and... "AAAAARGH!" — she shouted, stepping into a field of acid mines! Screw you, Teufelhunden!

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Time was passing by, the sneaking familiar faces have finally started showing up! Aunt Bella, Oth, the darhling Netanya, Zul was happy to see them all, even the Radiant Thugs! The unpleasant people, villains and other jerks and scoundrels, like Pearl, Morgan and Thedran, have vanished and it were great news! The Coast was like a breath of fresh wind, a hostpitable place! She was even unbanned at the Darius place, a life from scratch!

One morning, a dwarven warrior told her he'd chop her head if she was a real drow! Something has clicked inside of Zul... She didn't feel oppressed, neither did she laugh it out. She used to swallow such attacks, but now she felt an urge to teach this ignorant dwarf a lesson! Moreover, it was a long time she sparred a real opponent... With her long tongue, she goaded the fellow into a combat, jabbing his pride! They went to the arena, and Zul expected to sweat, adrenaline was running to her temples. The combat started...

Thordel: The hells was that... Ye made me drop ma axe.
Zul: Hold it tighter next time!
Thordel: Where ye learn to fight like that being a lass and all?
She expected to win, but not with such ease. It was frightening... how much she has grown since her first arrival to this place. Her fencing has become clockwork precise, perfectly balanced and trained, the discipline and speed she always lacked. And it was mixed with her old and dirty Aspid Style, the curse of a technique she will never forget.

She felt compassion to Thordel. She wasn't that cornered weak girl anymore, she was more powerful and, sadly, potentially responsible for it! Was she a bully now? No, she didn't want to be! Coming back to the fire, she declared:


Zul: I was beaten up like a crying b#tch!

Nobody had grudge that day, and overall, it was a good time! However, not everything went smooth...

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Walking through the city, she spotted a strange fresco, an epic battle or some such, and there was a face she recognized, but she couldn't remember who it was! Sister Ashenie was a fun new acquaintance, Zul already loved poking her like a cute plushy toy, she was so adorable! Zul found her at the temple and asked, and... and she couldn't believe her ears! The man depicted as some humanity savior was Thedran! That's right, that very thug and bully, hiding behind the credibility of the Radiant cloak! It was laughable and not funny at all at the same time!
Zul: Look, I know that no way on Toril you'll demolish that fresco just based on my words! But I also mean it when I say that man was an a#s! To be a hero... is fighting an uphill battle and risking, not picking fights with the defenseless and unpopular, knowing they stand no chance.
Ashenie: I can understand, but the fresco is not here to honor a man, but an act. To make feel the children safe too, because he... really endured for them.
Zul: And what it is like? To grow up, being deceived into believing that a thug is a hero? He could only satisfy his bloodlust on those who are weaker... not protect them. Are there... are there no Actual heroes around that you need to weave lies?
Ashenie: Is it really about this?
Zul: Me being spiteful doesn't mean I'm wrong!

Zul was furious! Unlike Ashenie, she knew him personally, back in the day, and she has seen nothing but rudeness and strenght abuse from this scoundrel! He was bullying her just because she looked suspicious, and when she snapped back with words, he used his strength against her. She saw him bully other people, and never in her sight was he polite or heroic. A coward fighting the helpless, that's who he was from her memory! This kind of person is simpy incapable of anything selfless or brave. And to see him immortalized in a fresco, that was simply outrageous! Good news, though — he died! This alone was lighting up the otherwise sad news.

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The next day, though... It was so more joyful than the previous! Bored Zul traveled to Candlekeep to chit-chat with her auntie, and she met a company of unknown scholars! Zul introduced herself, and suddenly...
Edelgarde: Zul?! Like the smut author?!
Zul: It's m- I beg your excuse, miss! It is an adventure novel!
One of them... one of them recognized her! For real! Edelgarde, she was a fan of Zul's the real manly friendship of two manly men! She asked Zul for a signature, and Zul didn't know what to do with herself! She wanted to prance away on the wings of wind, but she forced herself to walk still and pretend she doesn't care! She told them she has thousands fans everyday, but... but Edelgdarde was the first one, the first real fan who didn't know Zul and still fell in love with her book!



My hottest hugs to my fan Edelgarde! May fortune and happiness cover you as gently as Fyrah covered his friend Pel!

With burning passion, Zul.




Zul had her spirits high! She even paid some suspicious sailor for a verbal lead to some book-treasure on long forgotten islands... She traveled there with Edelgarde and other scholars, but that's another story!

One question doesn't let her heart find peace.

"Where is Cyrah?"


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